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2002–2006 Acura RSX Base 2.0L Cold Air Intake
For a 2002–2006 Acura RSX Base, this Flashark cold air intake kit is a bolt-on way to sharpen the 2.0L engine's response as the throttle opens and to bring out a deeper induction note under acceleration. It pairs aluminum intake piping with a heat-shield-style layout and a washable, reusable cone filter, replacing the restrictive factory intake path with a smoother route to the engine.
The kit is built specifically for the RSX Base. The Acura RSX Type-S is not covered, because it uses a different engine and intake configuration and the two intake systems are not interchangeable. Confirm your trim, engine, and current intake routing before ordering, especially on a car that already carries intake or engine-bay modifications.
Specifications
| Brand | Flashark |
|---|---|
| SKU | FLIS25050 |
| Fitment | 2002–2006 Acura RSX Base (2.0L I4) |
| Type | Cold air intake kit |
| Style | Heat-shield-style cold air intake |
| Intake Pipe Material | Aluminum |
| Filter | Washable and reusable cone filter |
| System Replacement | Replaces the restrictive factory intake path with aluminum intake piping |
Key Features
- Aluminum intake piping: Replaces the restrictive factory intake path with a smoother, less restricted route to the engine.
- Heat-shield-style layout: Designed to separate the filter area from the surrounding engine-bay heat.
- Washable, reusable cone filter: Supports routine service instead of disposable-filter replacement, so you clean it and keep using it.
- More noticeable induction sound: Designed to make the intake note more audible under acceleration while keeping light-throttle cruising quieter.
- Sharper low- and mid-RPM throttle feel: Can support a quicker throttle response through the low- and mid-RPM range when the intake is installed correctly and free of leaks.
Who This Kit Is For
Who is this kit for? It is built for the 2002–2006 Acura RSX Base with the 2.0L engine. It replaces the restrictive factory intake path with aluminum piping and a washable, reusable cone filter, and it is designed to make the induction note more noticeable under acceleration.
- ✓ For you if… you drive a 2002–2006 RSX Base and want a bolt-on intake that works with your factory sensor and hose connections · you would rather clean and reuse one filter than replace a disposable one · you want a more noticeable induction sound under acceleration · you have confirmed your state's emissions rules below.
- ✗ Not for you if… you drive an RSX Type-S, which uses a different engine and intake configuration · you need an OEM replacement air filter or intake hose · you are expecting a guaranteed fuel-economy gain · you regularly drive through water deep enough to reach the filter.
If you are also working on the exhaust side of the same car, the exhaust header for the 2002–2006 Acura RSX Non Type-S is built for the same non-Type-S application.
Check Before Ordering
A few details are worth confirming before you add this kit to your cart.
- Vehicle fit: Exact fit for the 2002–2006 Acura RSX Base with the 2.0L engine. The RSX Type-S is not covered. If your trim, engine, or current intake setup is unclear, contact us before ordering.
- Intake type: A heat-shield-style cold air intake with aluminum piping that replaces the restrictive factory intake path.
- Filter and service: The kit uses a washable, reusable cone filter. Clean it more often in dusty conditions, let it dry completely, and follow the care method for your filter media. Replacement and upgrade filters live in our air filter collection.
- Sensors and connections: Plan on reusing your factory sensor and hose connections in their original positions. A loose coupler, an unplugged sensor, or any source of unmetered air can change how the car idles, so recheck clamps, fittings, and electrical connections after installation.
- Legality: This kit does not carry a CARB Executive Order number, so it is not legal for sale or use in California (and other CARB-adopting states). Check your state and local emissions rules before ordering.
- Install plan and clearance: A bolt-on install with hand tools, and no tune needed on an otherwise stock car. Before you start, plan the routing so the pipe, filter, brackets, couplers, and hoses sit clear of belts, wiring, bodywork, radiator hoses, and other moving parts.
Water-ingestion caution: Avoid deep standing water and flooded roads. A low-mounted filter can draw in water if it is submerged. Keep splash shields and fender liners in place, inspect the filter after heavy exposure to water, and do not spray high-pressure water directly into the intake area.
What's in the Box
- ✓ 1 × performance cold air intake kit — aluminum intake piping and a washable, reusable cone filter
- ✓ Mounting accessories shown in the product photos
Inspect all components before removing the factory intake, and keep everything together until the intake pipe, filter, mounting points, and hose connections are positioned correctly.
Shopping for another vehicle? Browse the cold air intake kit collection.
Shipping & Returns
Free U.S. Shipping: Orders are typically processed within 1–2 business days and delivered within 7–9 business days. Additional charges may apply to remote areas.
30-Day Returns: Unopened and unused items in their original packaging may be returned within 30 days of receipt. Return shipping is covered for verified quality issues.
Worry-Free Delivery: Optional protection against eligible loss, theft, delay, or transit damage is available at checkout.
Fitment
| Make | Model | Trim | Years | Engine | Fitment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura | RSX | Base | 2002–2006 | 2.0L I4 | Exact fit — direct bolt-on |
| Acura | RSX | Type-S | 2002–2006 | Different engine | Does not fit |
The Acura RSX Type-S is not covered by this kit. If your car sits outside the Base application above, contact us with your year, model, and engine before ordering so we can point you to the right part.
Fitment reminder: Compare your factory intake routing, throttle-body connection, hose fittings, and mounting locations before ordering. Extra clearance checks are especially important on vehicles with an engine swap, aftermarket intake manifold, modified throttle body, altered engine mounts, or prior intake modifications.
2002–2006 Acura RSX Base Cold Air Intake FAQs
Q1: Is this cold air intake legal in my state?
A1: Not legal for sale or use in California (and other CARB-adopting states). This kit does not carry a CARB Executive Order number. Check your state and local emissions rules before ordering.
Q2: Will this intake fit my 2002–2006 Acura RSX Base?
A2: Yes. It is an exact fit for the 2002–2006 Acura RSX Base with the 2.0L engine, covering the 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 model years. Compare the factory intake layout and mounting locations before ordering, especially on a car that has already been modified.
Q3: Will this intake fit an Acura RSX Type-S?
A3: No. This kit is built for the RSX Base only. The RSX Type-S uses a different engine and intake configuration, so the two should not be treated as interchangeable.
Q4: Does this RSX Base intake fit automatic and manual transmission vehicles?
A4: Check transmission-area clearance and intake routing before installation. This matters most on cars with non-original mounts, added wiring, or other aftermarket components near the intake path.
Q5: How much horsepower will this add?
A5: Typical intake-only gains for this application are approximately 5–15 hp. Actual results depend on the vehicle, calibration, installation, and supporting hardware.
Q6: Will a cold air intake improve my fuel economy?
A6: Fuel economy is dominated by driving habits, and an intake alone cannot guarantee a measurable gain. Expect the main benefit as throttle response and intake tone rather than fuel economy.
Q7: Will this void my warranty?
A7: Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, an aftermarket part cannot void your factory warranty unless it is proven to have caused the failure. This kit is designed as a direct bolt-on replacement that keeps factory sensors and connections.
Q8: Can this intake cause a check engine light or a rough idle?
A8: A correctly installed intake should operate normally. A loose coupler, a disconnected sensor, or an open breather or vacuum hose creates unmetered air and can cause drivability problems. Recheck clamps, hoses, fittings, and electrical connections if the idle changes or a warning light appears. Our rough idle troubleshooting guide walks through the usual causes.
Q9: Does an RSX Base need a tune after installing this intake?
A9: A tune is not normally required for a basic bolt-on installation on an otherwise stock RSX Base when the factory sensors and hoses are connected correctly and the intake has no leaks. A tune can be useful once the car carries several supporting modifications, but it is not a substitute for a correct installation. Our tune guide covers when it actually matters.
Q10: Will an RSX cold air intake make the car louder?
A10: Expect a deeper induction sound as soon as you open the throttle, and it becomes more noticeable during hard acceleration and at higher engine speed. This changes intake sound rather than exhaust tone.
Q11: Can I drive with this intake in the rain, and is hydrolock a real risk?
A11: Normal wet-weather driving is manageable when the filter is secure and the splash shields and fender liners stay in place. Hydrolock is possible when the filter becomes submerged and the engine draws in a large amount of water, so avoid flooded roads and water deep enough to reach the filter.
Q12: Is the included air filter washable and reusable, and how do I clean it?
A12: Yes. The cone filter is washable and reusable. Service it more often in dusty conditions, let it dry completely before reinstalling it, and follow the care method for your filter media. The full procedure is in our cold air intake filter cleaning guide.
Q13: What comes with the intake kit, and what else do I need?
A13: The kit includes one performance cold air intake kit and the mounting accessories shown in the product photos. Your factory sensor and hose connections are reused rather than replaced, and a basic hand-tool set is enough for the install.
Q14: What should I check after installation?
A14: Make sure the intake pipe, filter, couplers, brackets, hoses, and electrical connections are secure and clear of belts, wiring, bodywork, radiator hoses, and other moving parts. Start the engine, check the idle, then recheck the hardware after several heat cycles and listen for intake leaks.
Fast Shipping Policy
Your order will be dispatched within 1-2 business days, and the package will arrive within your order's estimated date. Click for Shipping Policy
Easy Return Policy
Every order comes with a 30-day free return, provided the item is brand new, uninstalled, and in its original packaging. We cover return shipping for quality issues. Refunds are processed within 3-5 business days. Click for Return Policy
Worry-Free Delivery Protection
Add Worry-Free Delivery at checkout — if it's lost, stolen, or damaged, you're 100% covered. Click for Worry-Free Delivery Protection